Creamy Pumpkin Apple Pasta

Ever wonder what the heck you're going to make for Thanksgiving?! Maybe you're not hosting the whole shibang, but you've been asked to bring a side dish. 

With lots of fun holiday parties coming up, I've shared a perfect Thanksgiving side (or fall inspired dinner!) on My Cooking Spot this morning! Find the recipe here and make sure to check back in on My Cooking Spot for more Thanksgiving inspired recipes this week! 

Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Vegetables

Few things are better than a homemade dinner, particularly one that you know is wholesome and can be counted on for leftovers. Roasted chicken with vegetables is one of my favorite meals to make because I know I can stretch it. Call me a dinner time hacker but I love it when I can make meals go further, stretching my dollars and my time. Chicken enchiladas with the leftover chicken meat, topping salads with leftover veggies, and creating a sort of liquid gold known as bone broth (or homemade chicken stock) are some of favorite ways to use leftovers from this meal. My favorite bone broth recipe can be found here.

Can we also just admit that roasted chicken seems incredibly fancy yet it’s easy as punch to throw together? The first time I ever made it I was shocked by this and utterly amazed. Are you a lazy (or tired mom at the end of a long day) person who wants your family to think you’re fancy? Try this dish — I promise you’ll wow everyone involved.

See the full recipe over at My Cooking Spot. 

Photography by Joshua & Kimberly Barnes

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Oh gosh....what more can be said for a warm bowl of pumpkin spice oatmeal. My house is frigid in the mornings, just the way I like it. It makes curling up on the couch with my journal, Bible, coffee and oatmeal (or other warm breakfast variety) that much better. Here's a simple recipe for your Friday morning -- enjoy :) 

Serves: 2

Ingredients: 

1 cup old fashioned oats*

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup pumpkin purée

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

A splash of almond milk (or any kind of milk)

1 heaping tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark, either work perfectly)

*note: the oatmeal I buy calls for 1 cup of oats to make two servings of oatmeal. Check the back of your oatmeal container for proper measurements of water to oats. Cook enough for two servings. 

Cook oats in water as directed on it's packaging. I always salt the water first with a bit of salt. 

Whisk together remaining ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Once oatmeal is cooked, stir in the pumpkin mixture and combine well. 

Finish off with any toppings you like! I love shredded coconut and sliced banana, and I always end up splashing in some almond milk as well for extra creaminess. 

Currently // Vol. Seven

YAY -- time for Currently, a weekly link up that allows us to get to know each other and build community online. 

Writing//
Recipes, and thoughts on my cookbook. Almost every day I have something to add to the little notes section of my phone. I'm loving this creative process and excited to see where it goes. 

Anticipating//
Fall! Can I just tell you how excited I am that today is the first day of September!? I really can't remember ever being this excited for a month to end and a new month to begin. August was great, don't get me wrong, but it was kind of lagging. Anyone else? I feel like this marks the beginning of a new season in life as well as in the weather. New project start up, old ones come to a close, the weather gets crisp and fun celebrations begin. I just love it. 

Wearing//
Something new from my Capsule Wardrobe! So excited to share my pieces with you soon...mama's who are struggling with postpartum bodies and craving something to make you look and feel great, stay tuned. 


Linked with A Mama Collective + Dearest Love